High Speed Two Phase 2a · Nature Research Report 524. Peterborough: English Nature 34pp . BID-EC-011-000 4 Ecology survey code Location Centroid grid reference Number of tubes deployed

July 2017

High Speed Two (HS2) LimitedTwo SnowhillSnow Hill QueenswayBirmingham B4 6GA

08081 434 [email protected]

High Speed Two Phase 2a(West Midlands - Crewe)Background Information and DataEcology and biodiversityEcological baseline data - hazel dormouse (BID-EC-011-000)

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July 2017


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BID

High Speed Two (HS2) Limited, Two Snowhill Snow Hill Queensway Birmingham B4 6GA

Telephone: 08081 434 434

General email enquiries: [email protected]

Website: www.gov.uk/hs2

A report prepared for High Speed Two (HS2) Limited:

High Speed Two (HS2) Limited has been tasked by the Department for Transport (DfT) with managing the delivery of a new national high speed rail network. It is a non-departmental public body wholly owned by the DfT.

High Speed Two (HS2) Limited has actively considered the needs of blind and partially sighted people in accessing this document. The text will be made available in full on the HS2 website. The text may be freely downloaded and translated by individuals or organisations for conversion into other accessible formats. If you have other needs in this regard, please contact High Speed Two (HS2) Limited.

© High Speed Two (HS2) Limited, 2017, except where otherwise stated.

Copyright in the typographical arrangement rests with High Speed Two (HS2) Limited.

This information is licensed under the Open Government Licence v2.0. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ version/2 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or e-mail: [email protected]. Where we have identified any third-party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

Printed in Great Britain on paper containing at least 75% recycled fibre.

BID-EC-011-000

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Contents

1 Introduction 1

2 Hazel dormouse 3

2.1 Methodology 3

2.2 Deviations, constraints and limitations 6

2.3 Baseline 8

3 References 13

List of tables

Table 1: Methodological details for hazel dormouse nest tube surveys conducted within CA1 3




Table 5: Summary of suitable sites where access was denied within CA1 to CA4 7

Table 6: Sites where nut searches only were undertaken in CA2 10

BID-EC-011-000

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1 Introduction 1.1.1 This report presents a summary of the baseline data relating to hazel dormouse

(Muscardinus avellanarius).

1.1.2 Ecological baseline data has been collected for the assessment of High Speed Rail (West Midlands – Crewe). The Proposed Scheme will pass through the following community areas (CA):

CA1: Fradley to Colton;

CA2: Colwich to Yarlet;

CA3: Stone and Swynnerton;

CA4: Whitmore Heath to Madeley; and

CA5: South Cheshire.

1.1.3 This report should be read in conjunction with the Map Series EC12 in the Background Information and Data, Ecology Map Books.

1.1.4 The following baseline ecology reports can also be referred to:

Ecological baseline data - phase 1 habitat survey (Background Information and Data: BID-EC-002-000);

Ecological baseline data - protected and or notable flora (Background Information and Data: BID-EC-003-000);

Ecological baseline data - national vegetation classification and ancient woodland (Background Information and Data: BID-EC-004-000);

Ecological baseline data – hedgerows (Background Information and Data: BID-

EC-005-000);

Ecological baseline data - river habitat, river corridor, and ditch surveys,(Background Information and Data: BID-EC-006-000);

Ecological baseline data - amphibian and pond surveys (Background Information and Data: BID-EC-007-000);

Ecological baseline data – reptiles (Background Information and Data: BID-EC-8-000);

Ecological baseline data - breeding and wintering birds (Background Information and Data: BID-EC-009-000);

Ecological baseline data - otter and water vole (Background Information and Data: BID-EC-010-000);

Ecological baseline data – bats (Background Information and Data: BID-EC-12-000);

BID-EC-011-000

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Ecological baseline data - white clawed crayfish and other invertebrate (Background Information and Data: BID-EC-013-000); and

Ecological baseline data – fish (Background Information and Data: BID-EC-014-000).

1.1.5 Note that baseline data for badger is not made publically available due to the historic persecution of this species.

1.1.6 The ecological assessment is detailed in The High Speed Rail (West Midlands – Crewe) Environmental Statement (ES)1:

Volume 2, Community area reports;

Volume 3, Route-wide effects;

Volume 4, Off-route effects; and

Volume 5, Appendices.

1 HS2 Ltd (2017), High Speed Rail (West Midlands – Crewe) Environmental Statement (ES), www.gov.uk/hs2

http://www.gov.uk/hs2

BID-EC-011-000

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2 Hazel dormouse 2.1 Baseline

2.1.1 Details of the standard methodology used for hazel dormouse surveys are provided in Technical Note HS2 Ecological Surveys: Field Survey Methods and Standards (FSMS) included in the Scope and Methodology Report (SMR) Addendum, see ES Volume 5: Appendix CT-001-002.

2.1.2 The survey methodology involved nest tube and hazelnut surveys to help determine presence or likely absence of hazel dormouse.

2.1.3 Past records of hazel dormouse were requested from the following sources:

Staffordshire Ecological Records Centre2; and

rECOrd3 for Cheshire area.

2.1.4 Tables 1–4 provide a summary of the number of nest tubes, duration of deployment and index of probability scores4 obtained in accordance with standard methodology (Chanin and Woods, 2003)5 for each nest tube survey undertaken within CA1 to CA4 inclusive. No surveys were undertaken in CA5 where there are limited areas of extensive woodland and habitat connectivity for dormouse. The survey site locations are highlighted on Map Series EC-12.

2.1.5 In response to stakeholder feedback from the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust on the suitability of nest boxes for survey, a small number of tubes were replaced with nest boxes in areas of deciduous woodland areas.

2.1.6 Hazelnut searches were undertaken at most sites where suitable levels of hazel trees for nut searching were present.

Table 1: Methodological details for hazel dormouse nest tube surveys conducted within CA1

Ecology

survey code

Location Centroid grid

reference

Number of

tubes

deployed

Survey start -

survey end

Sum of

indices of

probability4

Map series

and sheet

number

reference

000-HD-

188002

North-west of

Cranberry

SK1319913935 55 August 2016 –

November

2016

18 EC-12-302

000-HD-

190001, 000-

HD-191001

South-east of

Shaw Lane

SK1136915229 49 August 2016 –

November

2016

16 EC-12 - 303-L1,

303

2 Staffordshire Ecological Record, The Ecological Database for Staffordshire, http://www.staffs-

ecology.org.uk/html2015/index.php?title=Main_Page 3 rECOrd Local Biological Records Centre serving Cheshire, http://www.record-lrc.co.uk/

4 Sum of the index of probability scores obtained for the months tubes were deployed, adjusted based on the number of tubes deployed in

comparison with the standard of 50 tubes 5 Chanin, P. and Woods, M. (2003), Surveying dormice using nest tubes: results and experiences from the South West Dormouse Project, English

Nature Research Report 524. Peterborough: English Nature 34pp

http://www.staffs-ecology.org.uk/html2015/index.php?title=Main_Page


http://www.record-lrc.co.uk/

BID-EC-011-000

4

Ecology

survey code


reference

Number of

tubes

deployed

Survey start -

survey end

Sum of

indices of

probability4

Map series

and sheet

number

reference

000-HD-

192001, 000-

HD-192002

South-west of

Trentside

Meadows

SK1022016982 69 August 2016 –

November

2016

22 EC-12-304,EC-

12-305,EC-12-

305-L1

000-HD-

195001

South- east of

Uttoxeter

Road

SK0817218984 86 May 2016 –

September

2016

34 EC-12 306 and

307

000-HD-

197001

South-east of

Newlands

Lane

SK0665320732 55 May 2016-

September

2016

22 EC-12 307, 308

and 309

000-HD-

200001

North-east of

Moreton

Brook

SK0418622484 66 July 2016-

August 2016

9 EC-12

309,310a,310a-

R1, 310b, 311


Ecology

survey code


reference

Number of

tubes

deployed

Survey start -

survey end

Sum of

indices of

probability4

Map series

and sheet

number

reference

000-HD-

204001

North-west of

Tithebarn

Covert

SK0092723137 154 July 2016 –

October 2016

55 EC-12 311, 312

and 313

000-HD-

206001

South-west of

Flushing

Covert

SJ9865023812 20 July 2016 –

November

2016

7 EC-12 - 314

and 315

000-HD-

207001

North-east of

Ingestre Wood

SJ9743224196 102 July 2016-

September

2016

June 2016 –

October 2016

38 EC12- 314 and

315

000-HD-

2080001

South West of

Ingestre Wood

SJ9639724551 72 July 2016 –

August 2016

October 2016

26 EC12- 315 and

316

000-HD1-

209001 and

000-HD-

210001

Lower

Berryhill

Wood, south-

east of A518

SJ9545024955 and

SJ9546025224

122 July 2016 –

November

2016

July 2016 –

October 2016

48 EC-12- 316

000-HD-

215001

South-west of

the Grove

SJ9120928926 18 June 2016

August 2016 –

October 2016

7

EC12- 320

BID-EC-011-000

5


Ecology

survey code


reference

Number of

tubes

deployed

Survey start

- survey end

Sum of

indices of

probability4

Map series and

sheet number

reference

000-HD-

220001

South-west

of

Woodlands

Close

SJ8917333248 50 May 2016 –

July 2016

24 EC-12- 323-r1 and

323

000-HD-

222001, 000-

HD-223001,

000-HD-

223002 and

000-HD-

223003

South-west

of M6

SJ8714634182 128, 12 boxes May 2016 –

November

2016

67 EC-12 325,324-

L1,324

000-HD-

224002

South-west

of M6

SJ8663435522 100, 10 boxes May 2016 –

November

2016

53 EC-12 325 and 326

000-HD-

224001

North of the

M6

SJ8645136077 70, 10 boxes August 2016

– November

2016

26 Ec-12 325, 325-

R1,326,

000-HD-

225001, 000-

HD- 225002

North-east of

the A51

SJ8547236311 80, 15 boxes August 2016

– October

2016

30 Ec-12 326

000-HD-

226001, 000-

HD-226002,

000-HD-

226003, 000-

HD-226004,

000-HD-

226005 and

000-HD-

227001

North-west

of A519,

North-east of

Clifford

Wood,

South-west

of Bottom

Lane, North

east of A51,

North West

of A519 and

South-east of

Clifford

Wood

SJ8438837241,

SJ8374037087,

SJ8461937077,

SJ8468036822,

SJ8438037531,

SJ8387737425

130, 7 boxes May 2016 –

July 2016

September

2016 -

November

2016

66 Ec-12, 326, 327 and

328

000-HD-

227002, 000-

HD-227004,

000-HD-

227003

north-west of

Clifford

Wood and

North-east of

Common

Lane

SJ8358837665,

SJ8316837772,

SJ8347437866

190, 8 boxes May 2016

September

2016 –

October 2016

95 EC-12 327 and 328

000-HD-

228001

North-east of

A51

SJ8277538230 128, 5 boxes May 2016

September

2016 –

October 2016

June 2016 –

October 2016

60 EC-12

328,329a,329b

BID-EC-011-000

6

Ecology

survey code


reference

Number of

tubes

deployed

Survey start

- survey end

Sum of

indices of

probability4

Map series and

sheet number

reference

000-HD-

228002

South-east of

Nursery

Common

SJ8308938407 50, 5 boxes May 2016 –

November

2016

26 EC-12 328,328-

R1,329a,329b

000-HD-

228003

South-east of

Dog Lane

SJ8311239112 44 August 2016

– November

2016

14 EC-12 328,328-

R1,329a,329b

000-HD-

229001

South-east of

Bent Lane

SJ8218239155 80 August 2016

– November

2016

26 EC-12 328,328

R1,329a,329b


Ecology

survey code


reference

Number of

tubes

deployed

Survey start -

survey end

Sum of

indices of

probability4

Map series and

sheet number

reference

000-HD-

233001 and

000-HD-

233002

Whitmore

Wood

SJ7914541687 and

SJ7938341721

120 June 2016 –

October 2016

58 Ec-12-332

000-HD-

232001, 000-

HD-232001

North-west of

Woodland

South-east of

Whitmore

Wood

SJ7966241375,

SJ7962141481

35, 14 boxes August 2016 –

October 2016

18 EC-12 332,331

000-HD-

234001

Hey Sprink SJ7876142794 415, 32 boxes September

2016 –

October (105

tubes

accessed only)

143 (33) EC-12 334

000-HD-

238001

North-west of

Wrinehill

Wood

SJ7551345071 527, 98 boxes October 2016

– November

2016

137 EC-12

334,335,336a,336b

2.2 Deviations, constraints and limitations

2.2.1 Due to access restrictions it was not possible to undertake survey visits at all suitable areas. Suitable areas where access for surveys was not possible are detailed in Table 5.

2.2.2 Detection scores were below the minimum 20 points at seven sites due to access restrictions to all or part of the site. This is a deviation from the approved methodology.

2.2.3 Best practice guidance4 requires a minimum score of 20 survey effort points to be secured, based on the index of probability of finding hazel dormouse in each calendar month. The system for securing survey points is based on a prescribed survey effort which is that nest tubes for survey should be spaced in all suitable habitats at 15-20m

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intervals with a minimum of 50 tubes per site, full details of this system method are presented in the FSMS.

2.2.4 In order to secure 20 survey effort points it was considered necessary to double, and where feasible, triple the number of tubes used within areas of suitable habitat. At

certain sites where nest tube density was increased it subsequently became possible to continue surveys throughout the survey season. Therefore, for a small number of sites listed in Tables 1-4 the sum of indices of probability substantially exceeded 20 points, i.e. a larger survey effort than the minimum required by best practice was deployed.

2.2.5 The timing of hazel dormouse surveys included the key months of May, August and September 2016, when hazel dormouse are most likely to use nest tubes, to increase the probability of detecting hazel dormouse. Due to late or retracted access some surveys in August and September could not be undertaken, these months are considered to be the optimum for undertaking tube checks.

2.2.6 Outside of the key months May, August and September best practice recommends that sites should be checked at least every other month. Where seasonal and site access issues occurred this was not always possible to achieve and at some sites a number of months elapsed between checks.

2.2.7 Points have been awarded for the months when the tubes were first deployed until the month they were last checked. In some of these instances, as described above, tubes were not checked in the most optimal months, or were not checked in line with the suggested level of frequently.

Table 5: Summary of suitable sites where access was denied within CA1 to CA4

Ecology

survey code


reference

CA Distance from the Proposed Scheme

000-HD1-

188001

South-east of

Pool Wood and

Fradley

Reservoir

SK 14062

14215

CA1 Within the land required from the Proposed Scheme

000-HD1-

189001

North-east of

Wood End Farm

SK1255014513 CA1 Within the land required from the Proposed Scheme

000-HD1-

190002

North-east of

Riley Hill


000-HD-

191002

North-east of

Kings Bromley

Pit (north-west

of) (Manor Park)


000-HD-

195002

North-east of

Pipe Wood

SK0870019664 CA1 127m north-east from the land required from the Proposed

Scheme

000-HD-

195003

South-east of

Cawarden

Springs Wood


BID-EC-011-000

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Ecology

survey code


reference

CA Distance from the Proposed Scheme

000-HD-

206002

South-west of

Lionlodge

Covert

SJ9871324062 CA2 Within the land required from the Proposed Scheme

000-HD-

215002

South-west of

The Grove


000-HD-

237001

South-west of

Barhill Wood


000-HD-

238001, 000-

HD-238002

Graftons Wood

and The Lum

(River Lea

Corridor)

SJ7549945059,

SJ7616445318

CA4 Within the land required for the Proposed Scheme

2.3 Baseline

Desk study results

2.3.1 Desk study records for hazel dormouse nests have been reported by the Staffordshire Mammal Group at Wrinehill Wood in CA4 from 2013. No other desk study records were returned.

2.3.2 Potentially suitable sites for survey were identified from aerial photographs, OS maps and Phase 1 Habitat Survey scoping. These included blocks of woodland and interconnected species rich hedgerows.

2.3.3 Factors such as diversity of shrub species within the understorey, presence of key species such as hazel (Corylus avellana), honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.) and bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg.) and good structural linkage between the canopy and understorey, were considered when assessing the suitability of the woodland habitats.

2.3.4 Sites where suitable habitat areas were considered too small to support a hazel dormouse population, and consequently unable to support 50 hazel dormouse nest tubes, were scoped out.

2.3.5 No evidence of hazel dormouse was identified during the field surveys.

Field survey results

Fradley to Colton (CA1)

2.3.6 A nest tube survey was initiated at six sites considered potentially suitable for hazel dormouse.

2.3.7 Completed nest tube surveys were undertaken at land south-west of Trentside Meadows where the site comprises a small copse of broadleaved woodland and semi-natural woodland connected by species rich hedgerows. Completed surveys were also

undertaken south-east of Uttoxeter Road adjacent to Pipe Wood ancient woodland inventory site which comprises semi-natural woodland, and at Hurst Wood a broadleaved semi-natural woodland. These three sites support hazel and nut searches were undertaken. No evidence of hazel dormouse was found during the nut searches

BID-EC-011-000

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and nest tube surveys therefore hazel dormice are considered likely absent at these sites.

2.3.8 Incomplete nest tube surveys were undertaken at three woodlands. At these areas nest tube surveys were undertaken but sites did not reach a total score of 20 required in accordance with standard methodology. Incomplete survey areas include:

Cranberry Wood broadleaved woodland. Cranberry Wood contains hazel and therefore nut searches were undertaken at this location;

woodland south-east of Shaw Lane, contains broadleaved woodland

surrounding a waterbody. No hazel was present at this site and therefore nut searches were not undertaken; and

land north-east of Moreton Brook which comprises a mixture of woodland and

connecting hedgerows, including Spencer’s Plantation, which comprises semi-natural broadleaved woodland of uniform crop-type trees heavily managed for pheasant shooting. Hazel was not present in the woodland and therefore nut searches were not undertaken at this location.

2.3.9 No evidence of hazel dormouse was found at the above sites where incomplete nest tube surveys were undertaken. Where nut searching was appropriate no evidence of dormouse was recorded. However the above areas did not reach the required survey effort score and on a precautionary basis the presence of hazel dormouse at these sites cannot be excluded.

Colwich to Yarlet (CA2)

2.3.10 Nest tube surveys were completed at four sites where scores reached 20 or over as per the standard methodology. Areas where surveys were complete include:

woodland areas north-west of Tithebarn Covert which include areas of semi-

natural broadleaved woodland and areas of mixed woodland plantation along with surrounding connecting hedgerows. Hazel was present and nut searches were undertaken in the hedgerows and in the woodlands;

areas surveyed north-east of Ingestre Wood including the woodland along the southern edge and connecting hedgerows. The woodland area consists of mixed plantation and semi-natural woodland. A hazel nut search was undertaken in the woodland to the south of Ingestre Park Golf Club and connecting hedgerow but no evidence of hazel dormouse was identified. The majority of the site was completed however an area around Ingestre Park Golf Club had access retracted and the survey was not completed and a hazel nut search was not conducted;

woodland to the south-west of Ingestre Wood includes semi-natural

broadleaved woodland pockets. Hazel was present and a nut search was undertaken in this area; and

Lower Berryhill Wood south-east of the A518 comprises a broadleaved woodland plantation dominated by pedunculated oak and scattered pine. Hazel is present in the understory therefore nut searches were undertaken in

BID-EC-011-000

10

the wood and along the connecting hedgerows. Access was restricted to an area of hedgerow resulting in a reduced survey effort for this part of the site.

2.3.11 Hazel dormouse was not recorded at any of the above sites and no evidence of hazel dormouse was found during nut searches undertaken where hazel was present.

Although for two areas one around Ingestre Park Golf Club and the second an area of hedgerow at Lower Berryhill Wood site had some access restrictions resulted in small areas of tubes not being checked as frequently as recommended by best practice, the required points were still achieved and therefore hazel dormouse are considered likely absent from these sites.

2.3.12 Nut searches only were undertaken at the locations set out in Table 6. No evidence of hazel dormouse was recorded during nut searching.

Table 6: Sites where nut searches only were undertaken in CA2

Ecology survey

code


reference

Date of nut search Map series and sheet

number reference

000-HD-202001 North east of Bishton SK0220522638 1 November 2016 EC-12-311,EC-12-312

000-HD-216001 North-west of A34 SJ9092029060 1 November 2016 EC-12-320

000-HD-210002 North-west of A518 SJ9538825489 2 November 2016 EC-12-316

000-HD-205001 North east of Farely

Farmhouse

SK0042424301 2 November 2016 EC-12-312,EC-12-313

2.3.13 Incomplete nest tubes surveys were conducted at two areas, no evidence of hazel dormouse was found at these sites:

the south-west of Flushing Covert connecting to Lionlodge Covert where hazel was present and a nut search undertaken; and

hedgerows around south-west of the Grove in Yarlet, where a nut search was not possible due to access restrictions.

2.3.14 In addition access to connection woodland areas was not possible and therefore on a precautionary basis the presence of hazel dormouse at these sites cannot be excluded.

Stone and Swynnerton (CA3)

2.3.15 A nest tube survey was initiated at 11 sites considered potentially suitable for hazel dormouse in CA3.

2.3.16 All but two sites within this area were completed. Incomplete sites were around the arable field north-east of Hatton Common, adjacent to Common Lane, and the woodland connected to Hatton Rough, and one of the coniferous woodlands associated with the north-east of Clifford’s Wood. Whilst no hazel dormouse was recorded both areas had access retracted during the pheasant shooting season.

2.3.17 The completed nest tube survey in the following areas did not find evidence of hazel dormouse and hazel nut searches were not undertaken due to a lack of hazel and/ or access restrictions:

BID-EC-011-000

11

south-west of Woodlands Close, which consists of pockets of semi-natural broadleaved woodland connected by species rich hedgerows;

woodland south-west of the M6 which consists of broadleaved semi-natural

woodland at Fox Covert connecting with Lodge Covert running adjacent to the

M6 corridor. Woodland also consists of smaller areas of semi-natural plantation woodland;

semi-natural broadleaved woodland south-west of the M6 at Lionlodge covert;

woodland north-west of the M6 at Lionlodge covert comprises semi-natural broadleaved woodland;

woodland north-east of the A51 includes Closepit Plantation, a semi-natural

broadleaved woodland dominated by sycamore, and connecting species rich hedgerows;

areas surrounding Clifford’s Wood and Bottom Lane include Cash’s Pit, a semi-

natural broadleaved woodland, and connecting hedgerows between Cash’s Pit and Clifford’s Wood;

Clifford’s Wood, an ancient woodland inventory site which includes a mosaic of

semi-natural broadleaved woodland and mixed plantation woodland. The wood contains a number of mature trees;

woodland north-east of A51, Hatton Common wood includes both

broadleaved semi-natural woodland and semi-natural coniferous woodland;

south-east of Nursery Common consists of species rich hedgerows connecting Hatton Common and Nursery Common;

woodland south-east of Dog Lane, includes semi-natural broadleaved and plantation woodland at Nursery Common; and

woodland south-east of Dog Lane which includes species rich hedgerows bordering Swynnerton Old Park Wood.

2.3.18 Surveys were undertaken in all suitable areas identified within CA3. Surveys undertaken achieved a wide coverage of the suitable dormouse habitat within this area. Therefore it is considered that dormouse is unlikely to be present within the land required for the Proposed Scheme in CA3.

Whitmore Heath and Madeley (CA4)

2.3.19 A nest tube survey was initiated at four sites considered potentially suitable for hazel dormouse in CA4.

2.3.20 Nest tube surveys were completed at Whitmore Wood ancient woodland inventory

site. The woodland comprises both ancient semi-natural broadleaved woodland predominately downy birch and rowan and plantation on ancient woodland including species such as larch and western red cedar. Hazel is present in the understory and a nut search was undertaken. No evidence of hazel dormouse was found during the nest tube surveys or during nut searching at Whitmore Wood.

BID-EC-011-000

12

2.3.21 Nest tubes surveys in semi-natural broadleaved woodland areas around south-east of Whitmore Wood did not achieve the required 20 points, nut searches were not undertaken at this location due to limited amounts of hazel present.

2.3.22 There were two sites where, although the detection points were achieved due to high

density of tubes, there were limitations on the nest tube surveys. During surveys at Hey Sprink ancient woodland inventory site which comprises broadleaved semi- natural woodland only a small proportion (23%) of tubes were accessible in October due to access restrictions within the wood itself. At Wrinehill Wood ancient woodland inventory site and surrounding hedgerows north-west of Wrinehill Wood it was discovered during the November check that the tubes had been removed. A hazel nut search was undertaken in areas where hazel was present but no evidence of hazel dormouse was identified and no hazel dormouse were recorded during the nest tubes that were surveyed. Whilst surveys covered a range of areas within CA4 the low number of completed surveys indicates that despite the absence from all sites visited it cannot be concluded that hazel dormouse are not present within CA4, especially where past records exist, as noted in Section 1.4.

South Cheshire (CA5)

2.3.23 Habitat suitable for hazel dormouse was limited and therefore no further surveys were carried out. Hazel dormouse is therefore considered to be absent from this area.

BID-EC-011-000

13

3 References Chanin, P. and Woods, M. (2003), Surveying dormice using nest tubes: results and experiences from the South West dormouse Project, English Nature Research Report 524. Peterborough: English Nature 34pp.

HS2 Ltd (2017), High Speed Rail (West Midlands – Crewe) Environmental Statement (ES). Available online at: www.gov.uk/hs2.

rECOrd, Local Biological Records Centre serving Cheshire. Available online at: http://www.record-lrc.co.uk/.

Staffordshire Ecological Record, The Ecological Database for Staffordshire. Available online at: http://www.staffs-ecology.org.uk/html2015/index.php?title=Main_Page.

http://www.gov.uk/hs2




July 2017

High Speed Two (HS2) LimitedTwo SnowhillSnow Hill QueenswayBirmingham B4 6GA

08081 434 [email protected]


E48

E48 BID

Documents

High Speed Two Phase 2a · Nature Research Report 524. Peterborough: English Nature 34pp . BID-EC-011-000 4 Ecology survey code Location Centroid grid reference Number of tubes deployed